2009 WCL Div 3 (Malawi)
Rwanda’s schedule
3 October - Rwanda v Gambia
4 October - Rwanda v Malawi
5 October - Morocco v Rwanda
6 October - Lesotho v Rwanda
7 October - Sierra Leone v Rwanda

THE national cricket team preparations have been near perfect in the run-in to the ICC World Cricket League Division 3 tournament and the cricket fraternity is hoping the team play to their full potential when the six-nation event throws off tomorrow in Malawi.

Rwanda, who are making a fourth outing in the new-look event have been dubbed second favourites to Sierra Leone. Other teams in the fray include Morocco, Lesotho, Gambia and hosts Malawi.

Before the team’s departure on Wednesday night, the delegation head Charles Haba said that Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) would not stand for anything short of winning the tournament.

"Coming second isn’t an option for us. We have to win the tournament because that’s our only gateway to the next level,” Haba, who also doubles as the RCA president said.

"With the hard work the boys have put in and the morale in the camp, the trophy is destined for Rwanda.”

"In our previous tournaments, we haven’t had this sort of preparation so there is reason to be hopeful,” RCA’s administrative officer Robert Mugisha added.

On paper, Rwanda is expected to cruise to victory in tomorrow’s opener against Gambia.

Since 2004 when Rwanda made their debut, the West Africans have been no match and the team coach William Kamanyi does not expect that to change.

"This year, we are a much stronger unit. The team is more complete; there is a mixture of experience and upcoming talent,” Kamanyi said.

Last year, Rwanda broke into the top four for the first time but the excitement was short-lived after falling to eventual champions Ghana.

Ends